Desire to win vital, Kobe tells Simmons

Adelaide target big trio

ADELAIDE 36ers coach Joey Wright has isolated the key dangers ahead of tonight’s clash with Melbourne United and it’s no surprise who he’ll be sending his best stoppers to.

Wright said the scoring threats presented by United frontmen Chris Goulding, who had 19 points last time the two sides met, Stephen Holt and Hakim Warrick (both 14 points) had to be nullified.

“There are guys we’ve definitely got to pay attention to,” Wright said.

“We’ve got to make sure where Goulding is at, he’s a big scorer and Stephen Holt the point guard we’ve got to make sure we do a good job on him.”

The 36ers front up tonight after an 11-day break and Wright wants high intensity from the outset against United who won their last clash by just three points earlier this month.

“Game shape and training shape are two totally different things,” Wright said.

“This long break is not going to be to our benefit so we’re going to have to make sure we get it right early and play with some poise.” KOBE Bryant says if Ben Simmons is drafted by the Los Angeles Lakers, the expectation on the Australian teenager to deliver NBA titles will be huge.

Bryant will retire at the end of the season after 20 years and five NBA championships with the Lakers and described Simmons as “a fantastic player” with “a tremendous amount of potential”.

Bryant said if the Melbourne teenager does become a Laker the city’s legion of fans expect just one thing each season – an NBA Championship.

“Do you have the attitude that winning championships is the only mission? The only goal?

“If you don’t win a championship the season is a failure.

“If you have that attitude this city will absolutely love you.”

Simmons is starring as a freshman for Louisiana State University this season and despite the team’s patchy form, the 208cm 19-year-old – who plays every position from point guard to centre – has put up big numbers that confirm him as the likely No.1 draft pick.